ORCV Melbourne to Vanuatu (M2V)

Too early for shorts.

The Slinkies are first up today with some intel from the South Pacific and it seems they cannot wait for the shorts to come out again, given it seems like ages ago when they were all sunning themselves like the seals of Bass Strait.

"Having a very pleasant morning sailing along, with about 14kts of wind from the East. There's still some chill on the wind, however. Hopefully the shorts will be out tomorrow!" I had mentioned to them how everyone was so mightily impressed with them and their efforts and this was their response. "Watching the entire Ingenue crew (of two) on the foredeck wrestling the kite is not a good thing to experience, especially when you're not able to do anything to help. Slinky really enjoyed a few days sailing beside Ingenue. I'm sure, if the position was reversed, they would not hesitate to stay with us." Now having spoken at length with David and Rosie yesterday, Saturday, I know that they would consider it an honour to be there for the Slinkies.

The PredictWind scenario as at 10am EST on Sunday July 11th.

The Brass have chimed in with some info today, too. "Looking at the fleet, their positioning for the next two days will be critical, as the Horse Latitudes have re-established themselves (The gap between the tropics and the temperate Southern climes). The boats that are further to the East should do better (51st Project is the most Easterly vessel currently - those well-credential racers sure are having fun going 'cruising'). As a whole and after their first week at sea, things are looking peachy. Shorts and T-shirts will be the order of the day. The washing will be out to dry and the taste of Tusker beer is not that far away." These two emails regarding the shorts came in just six minutes apart. Great minds think alike, even though there is 1200nm between them...

It is with thanks to our pals at PredictWind that we have these great charts to review.

The PredictWind scenario as at 10am EST on Monday July 12th.

The PredictWind scenario as at 10am EST on Tuesday July 13th.

The PredictWind scenario as at 10am EST on Wednesday July 14th.

Please remember, that if you want to find out where everyone is in the chase for the container that APC Logistics sent to Vanuatu, then please go HERE.

By John Curnow and Simon Dryden

ORCV Melbourne to Vanuatu (M2V)

The face of Seamanship.

If you were wondering where the Slinkies had got to, you weren't alone. I'd asked the same question. So I am delighted to report the following from onboard Slinky Malinky, who are our newly crowned Seasmanship poster crew.

"Hi John. It's been a few busy days on Slinky. We're passing Lord Howe Island today. The galley has been working overtime, producing excellent meals, the miles are reducing and more importantly, the weather is getting warmer. The importance of the ORCV Long Distance Offshore Seminar Series was highlighted today with a rip to the main. The crew managed to repair a ripped main, with no fuss and very little time lost from sailing, you could say that it even looks like a professional job. Many thanks to Mark Rimington for that... Cheers, Slinky and Crew."

This is Eric Marsh, Slinky's Skipper, at work in the galley back in Bass Strait. So very happy to hear that this super-critical space is still churning out the good work. So too will Lorna Edwards from, The Age. They ran a piece about all the crews' marvellous efforts in the galley in the Melbourne 3000 column yesterday, Friday. I got a call from Interstate today, Saturday, advising me.

Slinky's Mainsail that was torn.

Mark Rimington and a damaged kite used during the training seminars the Slinkies refer to above. Look closely and you'll see Rosie Colahan on the left. Clearly this one was not 'Rosie-proof'.

To see where the fleet are located after the latest sked, please go HERE.

By John Curnow

ORCV Melbourne to Vanuatu (M2V)

Same Bat Time. Same Bat Channel

If you remember the series, the comment is obvious and if you didn't watch the 500 millionth re-run of Batman, well then you're probably the smartest one in the sailing community. Cheers to you.

Now it seems Robyn Brooke was also contemplating her own deja vu elements a little earlier on today, out there on the high and very confused seas they are facing. "Geo was plotting our position on the chart last night and noticed on the same day, four years ago, we were in the same place! How bizarre, indeed. Different race start dates, different boat we're sailing, but the same place and time. Trippy. I recall we were to the west of Elizabeth Reef last time and the currents were pulling us down onto it, so we gave up the struggle and sailed under it to the East. This time, we thought we'd be smart and take the scenic route between Lord Howe Island and the reefs, hoping for and needing that Easterly current, but it's not to be. The current wants to set South and it's slowing us up significantly. As for the scenic bit, forget it, as we passed by under cover of unbelievable darkness. I smelt the land but that was the sum total." Never mind Robyn, I'll send you some great pics of the place from our friend, Tony Purkiss. Here's a sample for everyone... and cheers Tony. Speak soon.

"In 2006, Yoko also had difficulty passing the reef area, in the then light conditions. She would have loved this race and cleaned up, as these beautiful reaching conditions suit her perfectly. We'll certainly miss her at the quarantine station!" Don't remind Robin, is all I'll add. On the one board for days and reaching - he'd love it all right...

Yoko reached all the way to Port Fairy this year and got the PHS prize as a result! Hence the smiles... Even Robin (in the red), who does not get excited, showed some teeth!!! Nice one.

"The weather report this morning was from my new best friend, Clive Wilson at Lord Howe Maritime Radio. It sounds like the wind will be 'on the nose', which means wet and bumpy. Unlike Bass Strait, however, the water is warm and it's not nearly as unpleasant. A wave managed to find its way down the companionway this morning, which was a bit of a shock, as until now it has been a dry run."

"I was 'co-opted' at the race briefing to assist, if required, with the radio skeds. The other vessels also masaged into the role were Scarlet Runner and Ingenue. Now with both of them retired, I've consequently been spending quite a bit of time relaying from Coast Radio Hobart and the ORCV race control. George is a bit disgruntled that he is eating five day old bread, given I have had no time to bake any new stuff." There's always the weevils and seabiscuits again Robyn..... Worked last time as a marvellous motivator for him. Your call.

While we're at it, the skeds will now move to 0415hrs and 1615hrs EST, as the fleet is now operating out of NZ bases.

What inspired me the most was Turbo's request to ensure someone passed on the Hawthorn score. GO HAWKS!!! It's like when the Boxing Day Test scores get broadcast during the Summer races. Crucial stuff, I tell you.

So as at 1400hrs Saturday 10/07/10, TevakeII was at about the same Lat (27S and Long 158.5E) when Scarlet had to pull out. She's managing just under 5kn and heading 022deg. Presently, her average has not been affected by what must be strong currents.

The 51st Project are happy to be online again and Lex O'Connor reports, "We are level with Smokey Cape - that is about level with Tamworth in NSW (we got both kinds and yes, you'll have to go very deep) and 400 Nautical Miles off shore. Very deep (probably more so than my comment, actually) - depth sounder cannot reach the bottom... A stormy night, but nothing too major. We're past Lord Howe Island now and on the way to Noumea! All is good and everyone is enjoying the trip."

Overall, TevakeII is still aorund 40nm in front of the 51st Project with The Secretary (Da Sec) a further 10nm behind them. Turbo have dialled up the wick (one for the petrol heads) and sit in fourth. Then Garisenda, Samskara, Slinky Malinky (who'll be able to apply for an allowance for asisting Ingenue) and Mirrabooka.

IRC has Turbo leading, then Da Sec and Slinky Malinky. Well done to them, after some time a little further down calculations. PHS is Turbo, Da Sec and Garisenda (Keep at it team, but I don't wand to wave the wand of death over them, so I'm going to shut up now.)

To see where the fleet are located after the latest sked, please go HERE.

By John Curnow

ORCV Melbourne to Vanuatu (M2V)

"Blisters on your hands - from steering!"

This was my favourite comment from Scarlet Runner's skipper, Rob Date, during a chat we had earlier this morning. He certainly was upset, as this race has been part of his plan since she was christened last year. "It is very disappointing, you know. We just had a lot of water - wet everywhere and it simply killed the electrics. I’m now pretty sure it came in through the shore power inlet. We lost everything – house and engine batteries, the lot. We had the handheld VHF and a GPS. Yesterday, we came in to Southport under headsail and then the Water Police towed us up to the Southport Yacht Club.”

Rob was also very appreciative of the efforts made by all, especially AMSA. “The plane was with us in about two and quarter hours. They raised us on the VHF, we gave them our exact position and then lit the torches for them. They then circled overhead while the correspondence and questions were relayed between us, them, Canberra and Melbourne.”

Pre-start on Sunday - Rob at the wheel. John Donati under the boom. (Please let me know who you are behind Rob and I'll add your name.) Pic © Steb Fisher.

With the account clarified, we were then able to talk about the conditions and that wonderful ride they must have had before they had to retire. “We were flaming it! Best we saw was 26.5knots SOG with waves rolling down the deck. We’d go up one, down one, up the next and down, then up again before the nose would just go through one and a metre wall of water would come marching down the deck. It was great fun!”

All of that certainly accounts for the volume of “water everywhere and through everything”, as Rob put it. They saw breezes into the mid 30’s and it only got tough when the current was against the waves and “…we had six to eight metre seas on the beam. It was a bit hard to see it all at night”, was how Rob put it. “We did have lots of running, as well as reaching along under the JT (Jib Topper). The boat was better in the twenties than at 12 knots. The spray did not affect us as badly. When we blew the A4, it was just this enormous crack. It was fantastic.” I am glad Rob enjoyed it, because he’s paying!

It was at about this time in the conversation that the quote, which is now the headline, appeared. They maintained a three-watch system of three souls in each. Three hours on, one and a half on standby (read bailing, bailing, bailing) and three asleep. “We had seven helmers and if we needed to, we could draw on the standby watch, as well. We only had three small broaches in the entire time”, Rob stated.

There are three of the crew with the boat this morning. Ultimately they’ll head to Vanuatu by plane. The rest of the crew head back home today and then to work; how exciting, eh… As for Rob, he’s got to “…dry her out and then fix the issues ready for Hammo.”

All the best and we’re glad you’re all safe and well. Thank you for the virtual ride and your time this morning.

Cheers and farewell, for now. Pic © Steb Fisher.

To see where the fleet are located after the latest sked, please go HERE.

By John Curnow